Thursday, June 12, 2014

High-Tech Training



Technology continues to expand and advance. It increasingly has presented opportunities for enhancing learning experiences both through providing greater access to learning and through innovative methods for delivering learning that is more meaningful. This week we examined technology-based training methods that can help to create a successful learning experience that supports the transfer of training and positively impacts the efficiency of delivering training within organizations (Noe, 2013). In using technology to enhance learning in training scenarios however the most critical component is understanding not only the wide variety of technologies that can be used, but also understanding how to select the appropriate technology that will have a positive impact on and support the intended learning objectives and the needs and objectives of the organization (Stolovitch & Keeps, 2011). The following are some the technologies we examined this week that when designed effectively can have a positive impact on training delivery and transfer of training.  

Please note that I have also included links to some examples of the various technologies that I have discussed in the technology-based training methods below. Feel free to click on the links to further explore some of these more specific examples that are available for enhancing training.
 
Social Media
Social media adds an interactive social component to training where individuals can communicate and share information online and through mobile devices (Noe, 2013).  Social media is a technology that has increased in popularity over the last decade and continues to advance and expand with new options for creating a social learning experience. One advantage of using this technology in a training situation includes the ability to link learners to one another and to trainers and experts throughout the training as well as to help reinforce and sustain the learning once the training is completed (Noe, 2013). Additionally, social media is appealing and engaging for generation X and millennial employees and can be used to provide links to additional resources to further enhance learning (Noe, 2013). Some examples of social media technologies “include blogs, wikis, networks such as Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn, microsharing sites such as Twitter, and shared media such as YouTube” (Noe, 2013, p.335). Social media can play an important part in informal and formal learning that occurs within an organization (Noe, 2013). A word of caution that one should note however before choosing to implement social media as a technology for enhancing a learning experience is that other factors such as whether or not social media actually will support the intended learning objectives or whether or not social media is already used within the organization and will support the organization’s business strategies should be considered to ensure that the use of this technology has a positive impact on learning (Noe, 2013).

Virtual Worlds
Virtual worlds are “computer-based, simulated online three-dimensional representations of the real world where learning programs or experiences can be hosted” (Noe, 2013, p.343). Virtual worlds provide a training experience where the trainee can be placed in an environment and situation that mimic the actual work environment. This allows the trainee an opportunity to experience and practice their knowledge and skills in a risk free environment and is useful for training situations where trainee errors could potentially harms others or products and equipment (Noe, 2013). Virtual worlds are useful in training situations that involve problem solving and interpersonal skills and are beneficial for making the training experience more interactive (Noe, 2013). Virtual worlds can be expensive to implement for training however as technology continues to expand the costs associated with developing this training technology will continue to decrease making it a more viable option for organizations to invest in this technology when it appropriately meets the needs of the learning objectives and the business needs of the organization (Noe, 2013). Some examples of virtual world technologies that organizations can use for training include Second Life, Kaneva, or ActiveWorlds.

Mobile Technology
Mobile technology is an important training technology for organizations that have a global workforce and for organizations that need to reach a learning audience that is on the go. Mobile technologies allow for learning to take place anytime and anywhere as training can be delivered via mobile device such as a tablet computers, smartphones, or notebook computers (Noe, 2013). Training can be delivered both formally and informally to trainees through the use of podcasting or apps (Noe, 2013). Mobile technology is best suited for training situations where it is utilized to supplement other learning or in situations where the knowledge and skills being taught do not require a lengthy time commitment by the trainee and focus on providing meaningful content that easily engages the trainee (Noe, 2013). Podcasting is a mobile technology that allows for training content to be distributed to trainees via audio or video programs where trainees can listen to the training information anytime and anywhere (Noe, 2013). Podcasting is especially useful as it can be created formally by delivering specific training content and can provide an excellent opportunity for informal learning when trainees access and subscribe to podcasts created by individuals outside of the organization that focus on developing skills such as leadership or effective communication.  

Learning Management Systems
Learning management systems (LMS) are a training technology that is used by organizations for “administration, development, and delivery” of training (Noe, 2013, p.352). LMS are platforms that allow an organization to track the learning activities of individual employees and their learning outcomes in order to identify training needs for employees to ensure they have adequate development of skills and knowledge needed for their job (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2012). Additionally, LMS are an important technology tool for organizations needing to track learning activities for regulatory requirements such in the healthcare industry or government agencies (Noe, 2013). LMS can be an effective tool for organizing the delivery of online courses and it is important to ensure that the organization already has a culture of delivering training via e-learning when choosing to invest in implementing this technology to support training successfully (Noe, 2013).

MOOCs
“MOOC is an acronym that stands for massive open online course” (Herring, 2014, p.47). MOOCs are a training technology that was not discussed within our course text this week, but an emerging technology that increasingly is finding its way into training and learning within organizations. MOOCs provide organizations with an opportunity to develop learning opportunities both for employees as well as customers (Herring, 2014). MOOCs expand learning opportunities for organizations to have employees engage in developing specific skills necessary for functioning in different roles and for employees to receive a certification showing their accomplishment of acquiring that particular skill set once the program has been completed (Herring, 2014). Additionally, organizations can utilize MOOCs for talent acquisition by selecting learners who have successfully completed specific programs for roles within the organization that requires the skills that were learned in the MOOC program (Herring, 2014). Much like other technologies that can be utilized for training employees, organizations should be cautious and conscientious of their business needs and goals when choosing to utilize MOOCs for training as not all MOOCs are designed effectively to appropriately meet training and learning needs. Some examples of website where MOOCs can found are Coursera, Udacity, and EdX (Herring, 2014).

References
Herring, S. (2014). MOOCs Come of Age. T+D, 68(1), 46-49.

Noe, R. A. (2013). Employee training and development (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.

Stolovitch, H. D., & Keeps, E. J. (2011). Telling ain’t training. Alexandria, VA: ASTD Press.

Ultra Consultants [Online image] Retrieved June 12, 2014 from http://www.ultraconsultants.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Mobile-Technology.jpg 



7 comments:

  1. Hi, Amber,

    First, let me just say "WOW!" In my RSS reader (I use Feedly), your intro graphic came through as a header and really caught my eye! It made me want to click through to the actual blog post - well done! The better news is that once I did click through to the actual post, I was not disappointed. Your descriptions were thorough, informative, and well-written, and I was drawn to your paragraph regarding MOOCs. I wonder how many organizations are using them, and whether they are finding them effective. Though this blog assignment is not a discussion posting as such, I would love to know whether your research uncovered any statistics. Further, I plan to look at some of the sites you linked to to do a little more research myself.

    Thank you!

    Gordon

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    1. Hi Gordon,

      Thanks for the great feedback! When I was looking for additional information on using MOOCs in a corporate setting I didn't happen view many statistics in terms of current use, but it does appear that the vast majority of corporations who do currently use MOOCs are using them with a focus on having employees gain certifications in a specialized area which helps the organization maintain a competitive advantage by having a workforce staffed with skills and expertise in their industry (Herring, 2014). Another interesting fact that I found while researching MOOCs was the emphasis on using them for a "flipped classroom" experience (Meister, 2013). I can see how this would be advantageous for getting the most out of the time spent in face-to-face sessions with active learning and engaging activities as the trainees would have the opportunity to learn the content via the MOOC asynchronously prior to coming to the face-to-face session. It definitely will be interesting to see how this technology will be utilized in corporate settings as it continues to advance and be improved.

      Thanks!
      Amber

      Herring, S. (2014). MOOCs Come of Age. T+D, 68(1), 46-49.
      Meister, J. (2013, August 13). How MOOCs will revolutionize corporate learning and development. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeannemeister/2013/08/13/how-moocs-will-revolutionize-corporate-learning-development/

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    1. Amber,

      Your blog and this post are wonderful.

      I particularly like the way you listed the technologies used for training and development and some of the systems that use them (i.e...You Tube, Facebook, Twitter for Social Medias, Second Life and Active Worlds for Virtual Worlds, and podcasting and apps for Mobile Learning).

      I am also impressed by the fifth technology you wrote about, MOOC. It is great that the technology can be used to teach employees and customers on the use of new systems and their functions, as well as train employees for certification. I agree with you that organization leaders need to be careful in choosing and using training technologies to ensure they align with their business goals, financial arrangements, and training strategies (Noe, 2013, pp. 68-69).

      Thank you, Amber for your great blog post.

      Gayle

      Reference

      Noe, R. A. (2013). Employee training and development (6th ed.). (pp. 68-69). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

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  3. Hi Amber

    The overviews of your selected technologies were great, I especially appreciated your remarks on massive open online courses (MOOCs) as I do not have any experience using this technology. In your post, you briefly discussed how Herring (2014) identified using MOOCs for certificate completion programs within an organization as part of its talent development/ acquisition plan. This concept is particularly interesting as there is a constant need to balance professional develop strategies to meet existing needs while ensuring that the organization provides sufficient professional development and training opportunities to prepare employees for the organization’s future needs. Using MOOCs as part of the strategy to provide access to professional development opportunities and identify employees who seek out and excel at those opportunities would be a great way to help human resources and senior management in working to support promoting from within.

    Thanks for sharing you insights,
    Heather

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  4. Hi Amber,

    MOOCs are a great example of a new means of information delivery. I work in the field of education and have really seen this method pick up in the past year or so. Many schools are adopting it to appeal to an adult population that already has a great deal of hands on experience and can simply benefit from the credentials offered by a MOOc.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Stephanie

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  5. Amber,

    I too found virtual worlds to be a great and interesting training too. I never really thought about this type of simulation can really affect a training program. I agree that when you allow an avator to move freely within an environment, they have the opportunity to make it mistakes without harmful consequences. I also like learning about MOOCs, something that I never really gave much thought to before.

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